It's National Macaron Day! My favorite place for macarons is Maison Laduree, the first bakery to serve the now traditional two layer macarons.  Louis Ernest Laduree's Grandson, Pierre Desfontaines, decided to take the one layer macaron, top it with creamy ganache, and place an additonal marcaron shell on top. Now, that's the only french macaron pastries shops sell. This double-decker macaron launched Laduree's fame as a distinguished pastry shop. There are a few locations world wide so if you are ever in the following cites or countries I would highly recommend going: Paris, New York, Soho, Miami, Australia (Sydney or Woolahra), Belgium (Anvers or Brussels), Brazil (Sao Paulo), China (Hong Kong), Ireland (Dublin), Italy (Florence, Lucca, Milan, Rome, Japan (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kiosque, Nagoya, Shinsaibashi), Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. I hope that they open more stores soon in the United States! I visited the Miami store which is a smaller location and doesn't offer all of the pastry options that New York or Paris offer but it's still a great place to stop by. You can order macarons, tea, and coffee on the outside terrace or you can get a beautiful box filled with macarons or chocolates for later inside the shop. 

I also recommend trying the beef brisket burnt ends hash with white cheddar fondue and pickled jalapenos from the American Smokehouse outdoor kitchen. The land-harvested filed greens with apples, dried blueberries, Stilon blue cheese and apple cider vinaigrette was light and refreshing. The only thing I wouldn't get again was the Frushi (Fruit Sushi) because it wasn't flavorful and only had a slight fruit taste. I think the idea of Frushi was adorable and it looks especially cute.  My favorite alcoholic beverage was Joffrey's Frozen Chai Latte with Grey Goose Vodka.

May 30th, Memorial Day, is the last day of the Flower and Garden Festival so if you haven't been this would be a great weekend getaway trip! I hope everyone has a fun Memorial Day weekend!!
                                                                                          Safe Travels,
                                                                                             Brittany

Pictured Above: Fairmont Chateau Frontenac's 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar

I would highly recommend planning a trip to Quebec City. We went in March and saw lot's of snow! The spring and summer are also beautiful as the city is covered in blooms. During the Christmas season the city has garlands and lights and is very picturesque. So, anytime of year is great for Quebec City. Just check previous years weather so you know what to pack. 

For accommodations I would highly recommend the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. It's the most photographed Hotel in the world. If you want to stay in a hotel that looks like a castle the Frontenac is your fairy tale destination.  There's lots of great restaurants at the Frontenac and there is so much beautiful interior design to soak in.